Nakano Broadway, internationally known as “Nakano Broadway Japan,” is a must-visit destination for Tokyo’s anime, manga, and pop culture enthusiasts. While Akihabara is often considered the main otaku hub, Nakano Broadway offers a unique and nostalgic shopping experience. My guide covers everything you need to know about Nakano Broadway, from its best shops to food options and travel tips.
Where is Nakano Broadway?
Nakano Broadway is a four-story shopping complex located in Nakano Ward, a neighborhood in western Tokyo. It is easily accessible from Nakano Station, just a 5-minute walk through Nakano Sun Mall, a covered shopping arcade filled with restaurants and local stores.
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Nakano Sun Mall vs. Nakano Broadway:
International tourists often confuse Nakano Broadway with Nakano Sun Mall because many bloggers don’t explain the difference. These two are not the same.
- Nakano Sun Mall: A long, covered shopping street filled with restaurants, clothing shops, and general stores. It’s the main pathway leading to Nakano Broadway from the station.
- Nakano Broadway: A four-story shopping complex famous for anime, manga, collectibles, and vintage items.
Getting There:
- From Shinjuku: 5 minutes by JR Chuo Line.
- From Tokyo Station: 15 minutes by JR Chuo Line.
- From Narita Airport: Around 1 hour by train.
Nakano Broadway Guide: What to Expect:
Nakano Broadway Japan is a four-story shopping complex with a mix of new and vintage anime merchandise, electronics, fashion, and food spots. The second and third floors are famous as otaku stores.
Best Stores in Nakano Broadway:
- Mandarake – The ultimate place for rare manga, anime figures, and second-hand collectibles.
- Robot Robot – Specializes in vintage action figures and toys from Japan and the West.
- Taco Che – A niche bookstore selling indie comics, zines, and underground art.
- Animate – Offers the latest anime goods, from keychains to Blu-ray sets.
- Jungle – A top spot for vintage and limited-edition model kits and figures.
Nakano Broadway Food: What to Eat?
After shopping, explore some of Nakano Broadway’s hidden food gems:
- Daily Chico: Famous for its giant, 8-layer soft-serve ice cream.
- Bar Zingaro: A stylish café by artist Takashi Murakami.
- Curry House Indian: A hidden curry shop serving authentic Indian-style dishes.
For more food options, step outside into Nakano Sun Mall and try:
- Ramen Aoba: A popular ramen shop with a blend of shoyu and tonkotsu broth.
- Yakisoba Mikasa: A great place for Japanese-style fried noodles.
Nakano Broadway Hours & Best Time to Visit:
- Opening Hours: Shops generally open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Some smaller shops may have irregular hours, especially those selling second-hand goods.
Nakano Broadway Reviews: What Visitors Say?
Positive Reviews:
✅ Rare and vintage anime collectibles
✅ Affordable second-hand manga and figures
✅ Less crowded than Akihabara
✅ Unique indie and underground art shops
Negative Reviews:
❌ Some stores have strict photography bans
❌ Prices can be high for rare items
❌ Limited English signage in some shops
If you’re a collector or anime enthusiast, Nakano Broadway is the best spot to visit in Tokyo!
Nakano Broadway vs. Akihabara: Which is Better?
| Feature | Nakano Broadway | Akihabara |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Vintage & rare anime goods | Latest anime & gaming tech |
| Atmosphere | Local, nostalgic | High-energy, touristy |
| Shopping | Small, packed specialty shops | Big chain stores |
| Best For | Collectors, anime/manga fans | Gamers, latest anime fans |
Nakano Broadway is the place to go if you’re looking for rare finds and a quieter experience. If you want the latest anime releases, head to Akihabara.
Hotels Near Nakano Broadway:
If you’re planning to stay near Nakano Broadway, here are some great nearby hotel options:
- Nakano Sunplaza Hotel: Closest hotel, a short walk from Nakano Station and Nakano Broadway.
- JR-East Hotel Mets Nakano: Modern hotel next to Nakano Station.
- Business Hotel Crescent: Budget-friendly, about a 10-minute walk from Nakano Broadway.
- Tokyo Nakano Hostel: Hostel-style stay, around a 12-minute walk, ideal for backpackers.
- Hotel New Washington: Small business hotel, about 15 minutes away, with easy train access.
These hotels provide great convenience whether you’re visiting Nakano Broadway for a day or planning a longer stay.
FAQs About Nakano Broadway:
Q: Is Nakano Broadway Japan worth visiting?
A: The short answer is “Yes!”
Hundreds of people visit it every day. If you love anime, manga, or collectibles, it’s one of Tokyo’s best-hidden gems.
Q: Can I find exclusive anime merchandise at Nakano Broadway?
A: I should say a “BIG YES!” Many shops sell rare and limited-edition collectibles that are not available anywhere in Japan.
Q: Is Nakano Broadway good for non-anime fans?
A: Yes! While it’s known for anime, Nakano Broadway has a mix of fashion, food, and retro-tech stores that appeal to a broader audience.
Address:
5 Chome-52-15 Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001
Phone: 03-3388-7004
Official website: